Walmart’s Open Call Provides Business owners the Opportunity to become Walmart suppliers and reach millions of new customers with their U.S.-made products.
By Lauren Schregardus, on behalf of Walmart—
INDIANAPOLIS – Walmart is now accepting applications for its 11th annual Open Call event, inviting small business owners and entrepreneurs across the U.S. to apply for the opportunity to pitch their products to be sold on Walmart or Sam’s Club shelves or on Walmart.com and SamsClub.com. Applications are open until July 15, 2024.
Open Call is central to Walmart’s $350 billion commitment to bolster U.S. manufacturing by sourcing shelf-ready products that are made, grown or assembled in the U.S. Open Call 2024 will be held on September 24 and 25, leading up to Manufacturing Month in October.
Since its launch in 2014, Open Call has provided thousands of small and medium-sized businesses with the chance to become Walmart suppliers and reach millions of new customers with their U.S.-made products. At last year’s Open Call Walmart and Sam’s Club merchants heard over 1,000 pitches from more than 700 businesses hailing from all 50 states.
Walmart already has deep roots in Indiana with 127 retail outlets. The company employs 44,575 associates in Indiana. Walmart also supports local businesses supporting 34,259 supplier jobs, and spending $1.2 Billion with Indiana suppliers in FY24 alone.
Open Call offers an extraordinary growth opportunity for even more Indiana small and medium businesses. Entrepreneurs who secure a “golden ticket” — a deal for Walmart to sell their products in stores or online — can gain access to a vast customer base, enabling significant growth. After earning golden tickets, Open Call winners often go on to grow their manufacturing footprints and create jobs within their local communities.
All Open Call entrepreneurs will participate in mentoring sessions with Walmart leaders and hear from special guests, gaining invaluable business insights and resources. Additionally, each entrepreneur will have a one-on-one pitch meeting with Walmart and/or Sam’s Club merchants. Every entrepreneur at Open Call stands to gain valuable business advice and guidance.
What Customers Are Telling Us…
More than 86% of Walmart shoppers have said it is important for retailers to carry goods made in the U.S. Already, more than two-thirds of Walmart’s annual product spend is on goods made, grown or assembled in the U.S. Thanks in part to Open Call, Walmart continues to make progress toward sourcing even more of these products.
About Walmart in Indiana
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better – anytime and anywhere – in retail stores, online and through their mobile devices. In Indiana we serve customers at 127 retail units and online through Walmart Online Grocery, Walmart.com and our family of brands. We are proud to employ 44,575 associates in Indiana. Walmart supports local businesses, $1.2 Billion with Indiana suppliers and supporting 34,259 supplier jobs in FY24. Walmart continues to be a leader in employment opportunity, sustainability, and corporate philanthropy. In FY23, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation contributed more than $45.1 million in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits in Indiana. Additional information about Walmart can be found by visiting our corporate website and our Instagram, Facebook and Twitter channels.
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